Summary

After witnessing a mob hit, surgeon Jack Francisco is put into protective custody to keep him safe until he can testify. A hitman known only as D is blackmailed into killing Jack, but when he tracks him down, his weary conscience won't allow him to murder an innocent man. Finding in each other an unlikely ally, Jack and D are soon on the run from shadowy enemies.
Forced to work together to survive, the two men forge a bond that ripens into unexpected passion. Jack sees the wounded soul beneath D's cold, detached exterior, and D finds in Jack the person who can help him reclaim the man he once was. As the day of Jack's testimony approaches, he and D find themselves not only fighting for their lives...but also fighting for their future. A future together.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By
Riva
on
19-04-14

Loved it in print, love the audiobook

This is one of my favorite books of all time and it was wonderful to hear these characters brought to life. It has a 4.6 rating on Goodreads with over 4600 reviews, pretty universally loved in the mm romance genre. The narrator did a fantastic job and the story if first rate. The basic story is D is a hit man with a heart who is tortured by his past. Jack is a witness to a mob hit that D is sent to kill. Romance and adventure ensues. The writing is witty and engaging, I've read this book 3x. The only caution I'd give a listener is that I have been waiting for the sequel for years. The author has some pretty good freebies on her website, but not sure if the sequel will ever happen. That being said, still definitely worth a credit.

The New Standard for Books w/ Gay Main Characters

Would you listen to Zero at the Bone again? Why?

I instantly fell in love with both of the main characters. Honestly, this book has quite a bit of sex but it isn't sex for the sake of sex. It served a purpose and told a love story. So, absolutely. I would definitely listen to this again.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting would be the entire premise, which is a hired killer unable to kill his target and then they have to run away together. Honestly, it was a good time. The least is the amount of sex. I'd say there's maybe one or two too many sex scenes. Other than that, I'd say the sex was there for a reason.

What about Alan Smith’s performance did you like?

I absolutely loved Alan Smith as a narrator. He embodied both perspectives with devotion and I was captivated.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I never listen or read a book in one sitting. It's just impossible for me. However, it was a book that I continued to listen to without needing to switch over to a different book for a change.

Any additional comments?

I'm going to say this, because I believe it whole-heartedly. This is THE STANDARD when it comes to books with gay main characters. There has not been one book I've read/listened to before or after that has come close to impact of how this book made me feel for the characters and story.